New MINI Crossover Concept Gives You the World in Your Dash
According to MINI's press release on the Crossover Concept, "This three-dimensional layout allows more consistent integration of functions and the appropriate presentation of information and entertainment options. In addition to the vertical and horizontal display features currently available, the new instrument adds a further, three-dimensional element with displays stratified on various levels and highlighted to a greater or lesser degree, depending on the driver's and front passenger's requirements."
And it just plain looks cool. Check out more pics and info from MINI after the jump.
From the MINI Concept Crossover press release:
To clearly, flexibly and legibly present all information at all times, the MINI Center Globe comes with ultra-modern laser projection technology. With its unique optical features, the laser projector allows simultaneous presentation of pictures on various levels, with a varying focus and in powerful colours.
Benefiting from this technology never seen before in an automobile worldwide, the MINI Crossover Concept is also able to optically separate the MINI Center Globe into two hemispheres. These adjustable, moving hemispheres then enable the driver and front passenger to present and view different pictures recognisable only from their individual perspective. In other words, the front passenger may for example surf the net while the driver maintains his free view of all displays and instruments.
To provide this special effect, the hemisphere facing the front passenger closes down from the other side and acts as a projection surface presenting the pictures required.
The MINI Center Globe presented in this Design Study already shows today what options are conceivable in terms of navigation, communication and entertainment in the car of the future, using innovative technologies of this outstanding calibre.
The driver and/or front passenger operate the MINI Center Globe by a touch-sensitive surface, a trackball on the steering wheel, buttons and slide controls in the lower section of the MINI Center Globe, and a keyboard on the front passenger's side extending at the touch of a button from the dashboard.
Such versatile and flexible use of the MINI Center Globe gives this new control unit the character of an innovative travel companion adjusting at all times to the individual wishes of the driver and front passenger and helping them enjoy mobility in a new dimension wherever they go.
The MINI Center Globe is additionally linked to the starter system for the engine. Instead of a conventional key, the driver uses a start/stop unit referred to as the Keyball.
To start the car, all the driver has to do is insert the Keyball on the MINI Crossover into the appropriate opening in the upper edge of the MINI Center Globe. The Keyball then rolling towards the driver along the middle of the MINI Center Globe. In this position the driver is able to press the Keyball in order to start the engine. Pressing the Keyball again, in turn, he switches off the engine and the Keyball rolls down into its housing bay from where the driver can conveniently remove the ball.
Forget cell phones and iPods -- the Center Globe looks like an on-board, in-dash distraction all on its own.
- Posted by
- Doug Newcomb September 11, 2008, 6:35 PM
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- Categories:
- Car Audio and Electronics
- Technorati Tags:
- Car Electronics, Concept Cars, Crossovers, MINI
This is so cool, and that's why I will be afraid of being anywhere near drivers playing with this doohicky. Seriously, get one to have beside the sofa at home. Why, for the sake of all that is holy, does a driver need a laser-orb internet portal?!
I'm wondering what happens when your Keyball gets stuck in the Globe ... or how it stays put when you're steering hard in the twisties.
At least the crappy central speedometer is gone! Good riddance......
Nope, the article suggests the crappy central speedometer is still a part of this thing.
Yep. The speedometer is wrapped around the circumference of the ball. All the little dark marks around the upper edge in the first photo are probably speed markings.